Churches Reap Benefits from Member Shopping Habits: UMC Market Garners Success in First Year

Share Article

Local United Methodist churches across the U.S. received nearly $50,000 in donations in 2013 from a new online shopping service.

We encourage everyone to search the list of stores at UMCmarket.org and see how they, too, can take advantage of receiving donations to their United Methodist organization or church.

Nashville, Tenn. (PRWEB)January 31, 2014

UMCmarket.org, specifically designed for members of The United Methodist Church, allows members to shop at hundreds of respected online retailers while giving a percentage of their total purchase to the local church or organization of their choice at no extra cost.

The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), in conjunction with Zebraplace, launched UMCmarket.org in July 2013.

Since that time, 2,570 United Methodist churches have participated in the program and received donations. Between July 1 and November 30 of last year, nearly $23,000 was donated back to local churches and other United Methodist organizations. In December alone, nearly $26,000 was donated back as church members used the online service at year’s end.

Bobby Lee Smith, Manager of Corporate Partnership and Philanthropic Initiatives at GCFA said, “We are encouraged by the results from 2013. The goal of this initiative is to provide ministry monies for churches in unconventional ways and where they might not have existed before. We are hearing stories from church members across the connection that they are providing resources for the church in an innovative way. We look forward to this program growing. It is encouraging to see comments from users that tell us, ‘This is a very good program. I use it and already [we’ve] received money back,' and to hear how just regular online shopping can make a difference to the church. We encourage everyone to search the list of stores at UMCmarket.org and see how they, too, can take advantage of receiving donations to their United Methodist organization or church. The upcoming Valentine’s Day is an excellent time to consider shopping online for gifts and travel. By using UMCMarket.org, members of The United Methodist Church have the opportunity to select items and generate a micro-donation to the local church or United Methodist organization of their choice.”

UMCMarket.org is under constant review and revision to assure the best shopping experience and to assure that donations are credited back to churches and organizations regularly. You can follow, like, send comments and share with your family and friends at UMCmarket.org on Facebook.

About GCFA
The General Council on Finance and Administration coordinates and administers financial resources, safeguards the legal interests and rights of the church, and provides administrative resources to enable the fulfillment of the mission of The United Methodist Church.